"So Very Hard to Go" (TOP Cover) by Leonid & Friends, Reaction/Analysis by Musician/Producer

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  • Опубліковано 2 чер 2024
  • "So Very Hard to Go" (TOP Cover) by Leonid & Friends, Reaction/Analysis by Musician/Producer
    Original Video: • So Very Hard to Go - L...
    Artist's Channel: / @leonidvorobyevandfriends
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    This is a reaction video used to educate and give feedback related to the artist and the song.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 186

  • @19brittani
    @19brittani 2 місяці тому +26

    i believe LENNY WILLIAMS would be proud of that vocal . wow! excellent! SALUTE.

  • @user-cd7ds7cs3z
    @user-cd7ds7cs3z Місяць тому +11

    I have a lump in my throat listening to Leonid and Friends nail this Tower of Power song. When I see how the strings, horn section keyboard and back up singers perform with such joy, it makes me emotional. The young lead singer gets it. He has so much soul in his voice. This performance is such a tribute to the original.

  • @markfarley671
    @markfarley671 Місяць тому +6

    Spot on the original. I would have given anything to hear this performance live in that studio.

  • @ptr969
    @ptr969 6 місяців тому +53

    Good afternoon my Friend! You've already become addicted like Us! 😊

  • @vegaswillie
    @vegaswillie Місяць тому +11

    About one minute in, chills hit my arms and legs and remained until the song ended.
    Blown away by this group once again. Jeff, you rock my friend. Thank You.

  • @howardclegg6497
    @howardclegg6497 6 місяців тому +15

    Micheal just knocks this one out of the park.

  • @osimnod
    @osimnod 6 місяців тому +72

    Welcome to the Leonid and Friends fan club! Every song they cover is a masterpiece. Now, imagine an American group covering a foreign band impeccably, not just with the musical notes but the pronunciation and vibe.

    • @janicemartin7560
      @janicemartin7560 Місяць тому

      You are so right. L & F are incredibe

    • @vegaswillie
      @vegaswillie Місяць тому

      Well said and accurate

    • @sandw84
      @sandw84 Місяць тому +1

      Perfection 🎉❤

  • @mikelevand8272
    @mikelevand8272 4 місяці тому +27

    Given the stunning performance of Leonid and Friends, it is easy to overlook one of the most beautiful sights in the video. Pay close attention to one of the lady violin players. She has a break from playing during the song..........she has her headphones on, and is just GROOVIN to the song as she listens to it being played, just like millions of others have over the 55 years they have been together. That is just Wonderful!

    • @williamhowells1615
      @williamhowells1615 3 місяці тому +4

      One of the things I love about these guys is that they all seem to be having such a great time doing what they're doing. Joyful to watch.

    • @wilcomaurik1572
      @wilcomaurik1572 3 місяці тому +5

      I've noticed this too....! Lovely 💕💕to see how much she is enjoying this spot on musical performance. And she's part of it ;-)

  • @vegaswillie
    @vegaswillie Місяць тому +7

    Jeff, how many different songs can one band cover and leave me speechlees and wondering if i was dreaming.. That song has been one of my top 5 favorites from the first time i heard it back in the 70's.
    What a brillant version this is.
    This man's voice is so unique.
    I never thought anyone would sing this as good as Lenny Williams until now.
    Everyone is this group pays attention to detail down the the smallest adlib and I think that is a huge part of what separates this band from the others.

  • @Trapper50cal
    @Trapper50cal 2 місяці тому +9

    Each and every time you look at the face of anyone in the strings session, you will see the biggest smile that face has ever produced...they are having a blast!

  • @idolivercampos
    @idolivercampos 6 місяців тому +7

    From Russia with Love ❤😂

  • @mikesed860
    @mikesed860 6 місяців тому +57

    I have had the good fortune of seeing TOP and Chicago and EWF live, and by far their is no one that even comes close as this group when covering these groups. They are even better in some instances than the originals.

    • @nativedan
      @nativedan 6 місяців тому +8

      Same here. Just saw them a couple weeks ago in LA. Only a few blocks away from the Wiltern theater where I saw Tower of Power years ago. And earth, wind and fire in their heyday at the forum just a few miles farther. These guys and Ksenia are outstanding musicians!

    • @tombova1996
      @tombova1996 3 місяці тому +1

      Saw them last year (2023) April 20 at the Plaza Live in Orlando. After being addicted to their UA-cam videos, I was blown away by their live performance. In addition, they are very entertaining, especially the sax player! I have front row seats for this years' tour, April 17, in the Savannah Center, in The Villages, Florida.
      Tommy B

  • @Eloso3135
    @Eloso3135 3 місяці тому +8

    Leonid and friends can do it all

  • @thewey
    @thewey 5 місяців тому +24

    Leonid and Friends do AMAZING cover songs. Watch their entire collection and you will realize that L&F IS THE BEST Cover Band in the World.

  • @davidlevine1697
    @davidlevine1697 2 місяці тому +2

    tyvm for checking this one out as its one of my favorites. the look on your face when Michael starts singing says it all
    Michael's voice lights up the room for me.
    needless to say, live, this song is a real treat.
    there should be a link to their video in the music dictionary next to "in the pocket".
    ☮❤🙏

  • @Biker1964
    @Biker1964 4 місяці тому +7

    Better than the original!

  • @poppab389
    @poppab389 4 місяці тому +6

    As you said in another review, the changes in technology makes most of Leonid and Friends covers better than the original. Michael Puntov, the lead vocal won a vocal competition when he was about 9, so he's a very talented artist. The way Leonid deconstructs and reorchestrates a song that he hears is simply genius.

  • @user-lv5lj5bf2b
    @user-lv5lj5bf2b Місяць тому +5

    Леонид и друзья просто волшебники❤

  • @Kimo2Time
    @Kimo2Time 6 місяців тому +23

    And every one of them is Russian speaking as their first language and speak little english. Stunning.

    • @patrickrussell1888
      @patrickrussell1888 5 місяців тому +1

      There is also Ukrainian talent

    • @jimbizness3864
      @jimbizness3864 5 місяців тому +2

      @@patrickrussell1888 Serge left the band after Russia invaded Ukraine. He's stuck in Kiev.

    • @nancy9478
      @nancy9478 4 місяці тому +1

      Ksenia speaks 4 languages, english being one of them.

  • @justabeachbum4456
    @justabeachbum4456 Місяць тому +7

    This is simply stunning. This group is out of this wold fantastic

  • @jimwilliams4599
    @jimwilliams4599 5 місяців тому +15

    Michael's voice is awesome!! the orchestra...the horns..guitars...drums....Ksenia and her backup group....😀💕💥👍

  • @bryangriffin3139
    @bryangriffin3139 19 днів тому +1

    Brother, this band is so awesome. That’s one of my favorite songs and I saw it on UA-cam and I was standing at this TV just so happy watching this and listening to it. They’re perfect and every way it’s unbelievable. They’re so good brings out so many awesome emotions in myself, after all this song came out the year I was born 72

  • @benjiejoshua5506
    @benjiejoshua5506 6 місяців тому +29

    Not surprising from Leonid and Friends. They are masters...so well done!!

  • @TNKHART
    @TNKHART 5 місяців тому +17

    Love these guys!! We saw them for the first time last month. They were fantastic. This guys singing lead has just an incredible voice that filled the room. Thanks for sharing and appreciate the video. Respects.

  • @reidferguson3386
    @reidferguson3386 6 місяців тому +20

    I've had the joy of catching them live twice now, and what is amazing is how they reproduce this studio sound live. And an old musician myself, I'm with ya, they just blow it out of the water.

    • @user-ew2yy6dt3b
      @user-ew2yy6dt3b 6 місяців тому +1

      They are the best cover band out there, Leonid is a genius, in how he transcribes music, not easy to do.

  • @rosangelarangelvieira8894
    @rosangelarangelvieira8894 4 місяці тому +5

    Ele canta tão lindo com emoção q eu sinto a musica e lindo❤

  • @donzollars8187
    @donzollars8187 4 місяці тому +7

    Leonid is amazing! Self taught, does all the composing/scoring from ear!!!

  • @gilbertcandelaria5456
    @gilbertcandelaria5456 6 місяців тому +12

    Yea...this group has no boundaries...they are super good. Everything they play is a masterpiece...they do Chicago,E.W.& Fire and many more...I love this group.

  • @rosangelarangelvieira8894
    @rosangelarangelvieira8894 4 місяці тому +4

    Grupo maravilhoso os músicos td perfeito

  • @howie8850
    @howie8850 Місяць тому +4

    Tower of Power,Lighthouse,Chicago,EW&F,Blood, Sweat & Tears-these guys are amazing!

  • @tomc7598
    @tomc7598 6 місяців тому +12

    Another awesome performance by L & F is Chicago's Street Player.....Incredible!!!!

    • @TheoSmith249
      @TheoSmith249 5 місяців тому +1

      one of my favourites too. Arturo is amazing on it

  • @WhisperJetAmerica
    @WhisperJetAmerica 6 місяців тому +6

    Music is the great equalizer.

  • @jeffzatezalo8617
    @jeffzatezalo8617 5 місяців тому +5

    Oakland soul music from Moscow! Wow! Spot on!

  • @markbowles5205
    @markbowles5205 3 місяці тому +8

    I would love to hear your analysis of their version of Chicago’ “ Beginning’s, the vocals, rhythm guitar, bass, drums, man !!!💯

  • @anitacalloway3032
    @anitacalloway3032 5 місяців тому +7

    You should listen to their Chicago covers like “25 or 6 to 4” or their Earth, Wind and Fire covers like “After the Love Has Gone”. Stupendous!

  • @dotlund1096
    @dotlund1096 5 місяців тому +10

    I’m enjoying watching this man as he watches all the songs so many of us love from Leonid and Friends. You, kind sir, will get a ton of folks following you. 👍

  • @rickstadel5285
    @rickstadel5285 3 місяці тому +5

    So, seriously, how f-ing remarkable ARE these folks ! ?

  • @turkfiles
    @turkfiles 6 місяців тому +9

    Just saw Leonid & Friends here in Southern California last night, 11/12/23, and it was an absolutely amazing experience. My wife is a professional musician, and she was blown away by the musicianship and perfection of their performance of every song!

  • @jimdoucette
    @jimdoucette 24 дні тому +2

    Just saw them live in Charleston, SC 5/8/2024. Amazing show. Great live. I encourage everyone to go see them if you get a chance.

    • @toddhicks6388
      @toddhicks6388 6 днів тому

      I was there with you Jim… mind blowing concert in person… they were and are the best musicians I’ve ever listened to. Shear musical brilliance and precision beyond anything else out there. I’m so in love with this group and every song they’ve sung.

  • @troysterling1382
    @troysterling1382 2 місяці тому +4

    Was born in Oakland in 1970 and grew up listening to this iconic Soul/ Funk band and Might I say you guys captured the essence of this band and your cover was spot on! You’re an amazing band also!

  • @sdanjohn
    @sdanjohn 6 місяців тому +11

    This is one of my favorite songs and this is so spot on. Basically everything they do is this good regardless of who they are doing. They started as a Chicago tribute and branched out. Their Earth Wind and Fire stuff is excellent as well. I’ve also seen them live.

  • @dannarasmussen5456
    @dannarasmussen5456 2 місяці тому +2

    when you want to cut a master , these are the guys you want in the studio doing it.

  • @469buck
    @469buck 4 місяці тому +3

    Puntov nails the vocals. Hell...they ALL nail everything! Great reaction, sir. Spot on.

  • @JimmyMitchell-Lucky
    @JimmyMitchell-Lucky 3 місяці тому +3

    How can you say more than WOW!! Incredibly WOW!!!

  • @Noeau
    @Noeau 6 місяців тому +6

    Wait until you hear the EWF covers!

  • @lorageizha2186
    @lorageizha2186 Місяць тому +2

    Просто блеск!!!!👏👏👏👏👏💐

  • @georgec2069
    @georgec2069 3 місяці тому +6

    Leonid takes each song and listens and picks them apart for each musician which is amazing the attention to detail and ear for each tone. As you said amazing.

  • @beaufitz8993
    @beaufitz8993 Місяць тому +2

    So nice to hear from a music professionals critique of this band!! They truly, are so great!

  • @TheCybertiger9
    @TheCybertiger9 5 місяців тому +5

    Love the baritone sax, really completes the song

  • @crashkratics
    @crashkratics 4 місяці тому +5

    Epic!! Their covers are over the top. Love their covers of Earth, Wind and Fire. Also love the covers of Chicago. My favorite has to be Chicago's " Searching So Long." This cover of Tower Of Power is right on as usual.

  • @glg6069
    @glg6069 6 місяців тому +7

    They're one of the best--if not the best cover bands ever! They work so hard to honor the bands they cover, and in some cases, I think they sound better than some of the originals because they take such care. They're just phenomenal artists. I imagine it would really an honor to have Leonid and friends cover your songs.

  • @robertroth1042
    @robertroth1042 6 місяців тому +4

    I seen this group 2 years ago, and it was probably one of the best band’s I’ve seen in a long time . Sellersville PA can’t wait to see them again ! Outstanding group 👍

  • @KuyaAccordionista
    @KuyaAccordionista Місяць тому +2

    I'm a San Francisco boy who grew up listening to Tower of Power in the 70s and this was AWESOME! It brought back fond memories of slow dancing to this song at junior high dances. I love the homage to the TOP horns as Leonid's horn section are doing the same choreography that the TOP horns do at their live shows. Emilio and the rest of Tower of Power would be proud.

  • @AssetInvesting
    @AssetInvesting 6 місяців тому +3

    My, my, my oh my!!!!!

  • @triciadomayer6760
    @triciadomayer6760 2 місяці тому +1

    My two favorite Chicago covers are Hanky Panky/Life Saver and Mononucleosis. Leonid's cover of Mono just makes me happy.

  • @bryangriffin3139
    @bryangriffin3139 19 днів тому

    Brother, they’re so accurate. It’s insane everything every instruments perfect perfectly timed. It’s just beautiful. It’s overwhelming. It’s so good.

  • @fredacevedo2871
    @fredacevedo2871 5 місяців тому +4

    These guys are better than the ordinal artists.

  • @JT-wn7wb
    @JT-wn7wb 6 місяців тому +6

    The Superstar cover by this band just opened a new world of an amazing band. Thank you so much for sharing!! I just listen to Chicago cover and I was floored by these musicians. Thank you !!

  • @mrbill8542
    @mrbill8542 6 місяців тому +3

    EVERYTHING L&F covers is as good and better than the original==EVERYTHING !!!

  • @GdeMarco787
    @GdeMarco787 6 місяців тому +3

    LOL! Listen to that Baritone Sax! Fabulous!

  • @georgeslater2122
    @georgeslater2122 4 місяці тому +3

    I just wonder how many thousands hours of practice it took for this one song

  • @dirceujs
    @dirceujs Місяць тому +2

    Muita Lindoooooooooo😍🤩

  • @sheepdog457
    @sheepdog457 6 місяців тому +7

    The showmanship, in addition to the musicianship, is nothing short of amazing when seeing these wonderful artists live. You owe it to yourself to go see them when they come to your area.

  • @michaelbradley7529
    @michaelbradley7529 6 місяців тому +8

    There covers of "Chicago" and "Earth, Wind, and Fire" are legendary. I would love to see you do a whole series on these guys.

  • @jimwebster7317
    @jimwebster7317 6 місяців тому +6

    By far one of greatest performances by Leonid and friends. Spine tingling. There is a god, one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. So perfect. Thank you tower of power and Leonid and friends. As you said so syrup. Can't get any better!!! Thank you so much. Love your reaction. You are great as well. Made my day....

  • @helgar791
    @helgar791 6 місяців тому +11

    You should hear these guys do Earth Wind and Fire. Note perfect and yet exciting and fresh.

    • @jeffhartman7000
      @jeffhartman7000 6 місяців тому +1

      I was just about to post the same.

  • @bryangriffin3139
    @bryangriffin3139 19 днів тому

    This is my favorite song to play the drum too. It always has been. There’s so much emotion so much feeling I am amazed at this band and bro they do so many awesome covers. It’s ridiculous. I would pay to see them if they were in California.

  • @naknaksdadn572
    @naknaksdadn572 6 місяців тому +9

    i have been very fortunate to have seen, heard and meet these very gregarious, talented artists twice! Every single one of them are so delightful to engage with. Sure there is a language barrier since most of them do not speak English fluently but the embraces, the hand shakes, the smiles? It's all there! They are selling out all of the venues they play at. If y'all want to see them? Y'all got to buy those tickets way in advance! Y'all won't be disappointed! ~Nak~

  • @wilburhornshnoggle2619
    @wilburhornshnoggle2619 3 місяці тому +3

    Leonid assembled far and away the best cover band of all time.. I had the same ear to ear grin you did, start to finish.. Then when you find out for most of them, English is a 2nd language.

  • @ogam5
    @ogam5 6 місяців тому +3

    ......ToP's Lenny Williams - just SUCH an underrated vocalist!

  • @robertroth1042
    @robertroth1042 Місяць тому +1

    Can’t wait going to see them in Austin in October 2024 seen them two years ago in Sellersville PA

  • @sandyshore2712
    @sandyshore2712 6 місяців тому +4

    TOP is the epitome of live performance. They've been doin' it right for EVER. L&F respects TOP with their cover. Love 'em both!

  • @thunderbolts2438
    @thunderbolts2438 6 місяців тому +6

    It was just perfect... so glad they performed this.

  • @johncourtright1632
    @johncourtright1632 6 місяців тому +5

    Wait 'til you hear their cover of Steely Dan's "My Old School"! They are just mind-blowing! Also, EW&F's "In the Stone". Every cover is a masterpiece!

    • @StrateleStudios
      @StrateleStudios  6 місяців тому +1

      Can’t wait to see those too! 👏👏👏

  • @danpelka9847
    @danpelka9847 6 місяців тому +6

    Some great picks for your next L&F songs: Chicago: 25 or 6 to 4, Blood Sweat & Tears: Spinning Wheel, Earth Wind & Fire: September

  • @SandraGarcia-nf8js
    @SandraGarcia-nf8js 6 місяців тому +3

    Leonid & friends lo mejor en cover tengo poco de conocer esta agrupacion excelentes musicos, cantantes. ,👍👍👍👍🇩🇴

  • @andyhudack5049
    @andyhudack5049 3 місяці тому +2

    If you haven't already done it you must hear their version of "Searching So Long" . This could be their BEST

  • @justabeachbum4456
    @justabeachbum4456 29 днів тому +2

    That baritone sax just takes me over the edge every time he plays it 🎉❤

  • @MrMuchachos75
    @MrMuchachos75 5 місяців тому +3

    These guys are so freekin good
    Dont know why I tear up listening to it. Its so spot on. I love TOP, but these guys IMHO, take what TOP does and somehow improves on it. They are simply amazing

  • @philippepiveron4937
    @philippepiveron4937 6 місяців тому +7

    Like you, I love Voces8 and... Leonid and friends! It was therefore normal that through the magic of algorithms I ended up discovering your channel! So I am a “new kid” here, very happy with this wonderful meeting. Thank you Jeff for sharing your musical favorites with this great and admirable sensitivity of yours! Kind regards from France.

  • @maryannarep
    @maryannarep 6 місяців тому +4

    I've seen TOP 5 times! Leonid and Friends are Superstars!

    • @howardclegg6497
      @howardclegg6497 6 місяців тому +1

      I see the them 4 or five times on every one of their tours. Pretty much a groupie, much to my wife's chagrin. Roman and the band members I've gotten to know on a different level than most others that attend their meet and greets. They are great people and have shared some of their life stories with me when I was welcomed into their pre-show dinning on one occasion.

  • @danborowicz758
    @danborowicz758 Місяць тому

    Love being able to enjoy this wonderful music with someone!

  • @ericmcdowell5762
    @ericmcdowell5762 4 місяці тому +2

    Jeff, ... you need to go to one of their concerts, when they're in close proximity to where you live.

  • @JorgeGarcia-cg4qd
    @JorgeGarcia-cg4qd 5 місяців тому +2

    TEN STARS

  • @sess122
    @sess122 6 місяців тому +4

    One of the absolute best cover bands in the WORLD. Listen to their Chicago covers as well as Steely Dan.

    • @GUENILLA
      @GUENILLA 6 місяців тому +1

      More like TRIBUTE than Cover.. My humble opinion..

  • @JDLYBRAND
    @JDLYBRAND 6 місяців тому +4

    You ought to see them live. Phenomenal band!

  • @drillmasterpete
    @drillmasterpete 6 місяців тому +2

    Amazing Leonid wrote the first songs by ear ,with out being able to get or find sheet music for tunes ....writes are exactly to the T for each instrument and piece.. see them Live they are just as acoustically Great .

  • @fetteente6263
    @fetteente6263 4 місяці тому +3

    so geil

  • @meinkapu9899
    @meinkapu9899 5 місяців тому +2

    Leonid and Friends #1....It's a tossup tie between Lexington Lab Band and Hindley Street Country Club. All are feast for the ears of this old timer.

  • @Diegocurt73
    @Diegocurt73 4 місяці тому +2

    Holy Moly! Got chills listening to this!

  • @mikeykeyes
    @mikeykeyes 6 місяців тому +5

    Michael Panov is of Indian origin, a Russian gypsy and the fact none of them speak English fluently is astounding when you hear them sing without accents!

    • @tombova1996
      @tombova1996 3 місяці тому

      Actually, Kesena speaks fluent English along with 5 or 6 other languages, including Chinese. Also, Leonid's son (kind of the manager and concert spokesman) speaks fluent English.
      Tommy B

  • @deeglencairn2598
    @deeglencairn2598 5 місяців тому +4

    love your work Jeff and totally agree very few cover bands have the accuracy and attention to detail that Leonid & friends have. One band that comes very close is HSCC who did a recent cover of the beautiful Anita Baker hit Caught up in the rapture. I would be very interested in your reaction to this as I know it had massive positive feedback and personally as a huge AB fan blew me away, Thanks in advance 😊

    • @StrateleStudios
      @StrateleStudios  5 місяців тому +1

      🫶🫶🫶

    • @dotlund1096
      @dotlund1096 4 місяці тому

      HSCC is another band that helped me get through covid isolation times. Leonid’s still my favorite. ❤

  • @MarkSmith-wg8oy
    @MarkSmith-wg8oy 4 місяці тому +2

    Very refreshing

  • @richr.7698
    @richr.7698 6 місяців тому +2

    My reaction to this video was very similar to yours the first time I seen it. Thank you for the upload.

  • @davidproffitt6902
    @davidproffitt6902 6 місяців тому +3

    Such a STRONG !! Horn section love it.

  • @prafmusic2613
    @prafmusic2613 4 місяці тому +2

    👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🙏

  • @dfend451
    @dfend451 6 місяців тому +1

    Ultra smooth and creamy!!!!

  • @kens32052
    @kens32052 5 місяців тому +2

    I saw them in concert back in the 70s. They actually opened for the Beach Boys lol.

    • @tombova1996
      @tombova1996 3 місяці тому

      What group are you talking about? Certainly not Leonid & Friends. Most of them weren't even born in the 70's!
      Tommy B

    • @kens32052
      @kens32052 3 місяці тому

      Sorry I was talking about the group The Tower of Power.@@tombova1996

  • @brentgindelberger8851
    @brentgindelberger8851 6 місяців тому +2

    My wife and I have seem them live 19 times since their first US tour in January 2019. They just sound incredible each time.

  • @milton1448
    @milton1448 6 місяців тому +12

    They also do a lot of Chicago covers.